The Wales international has struggled to establish a regular place in the Real starting XI this season, with the likes of Isco, Lucas Vasquez and Marco Asensio providing intense competition for places.

Bale had to console himself with a place on the substitutes’ bench 12 months ago in his home town of Cardiff when Isco was given the nod and Zidane’s side powered to an ultimately convincing 4-1 win over Juventus.

A late season burst of form, which has seen Bale score five times in his last five matches, including a stunning equaliser against Barcelona in the Clasico, has convinced Zidane to go with the famous BBC attack, which also comprises of Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo.

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According to Marca, Bale, who started his career as a rampaging left-back, will be expected to perform a more defensive role in an attempt to nullify the threat of Liverpool’s top scorer this season Mohamed Salah.

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Speaking about the difficulties he faced in selecting his team, Zidane said yesterday: ‘Yes, of course (it’s the hardest part).

‘I’ve said this repeatedly, I think this is the worst moment for a coach, when you have to make the choice, especially for a final, because some players will put their jersey on and others won’t.

‘That’s the most difficult job for a manager, but I have to take that responsibility on and make that choice for the team.’